The Smith's Legacy

Disapproved

Chapter 4

Ava's smile faded as Asher halted amidst his laughter and said.

"Thank you Ava" 

His voice was low and sincere, but then. Ava was lost trying to figure what exactly she did that earned her the "Thank you"

She had suggested a coffee date with Asher, because he was always complaining about money and feels uncomfortable when she pays.

And it was almost becoming a boring connection, since it had been a school to home thingy. And Asher? He was just comfortable with it being that way.

But a coffee date won't cost much, she thought then suggested and was happy when Asher agreed to it.

Why then does it have to begin with a "Thank you Ava" When they should literally make the one day out together count?

Ava's silence spoke louder, that Asher felt she was probably having a regret for  sitting out with him inside the coffee shop.

And still, she was there. Her hand glued to the coffee mug, which she was going to lift before Asher spilled those words. Her mind being consumed with the turmoil of what really got into Asher. 

"Are you..."

"What do you..."

The two voices collided at the same time, breaking their silence.

"I'm sorry, " Asher said, chuckling awkwardly. " You go first"

But Ava was more interested in knowing what it was Asher had to say. She shook her head and said.

"No Asher. You first"

Asher hesitated for a moment, because the last one he said, brought in a lull in their midst. He sat right  there gazing but Ava pressed on gently.

" Please talk to me, Asher. Whatever it is "

She added, but looking into Asher's eyes. She noticed a lot of things were left unsaid and she was willing to hear every bit of it.

" Asher…." She continued, her voice sounding urgent this time.

"I...I.." He started, his voice faltering.

" Common Asher " she said, with a small laugh. " I know you don't do that "

He took a deep breath, trying to pick up his strength.

"Do I really deserve you?"

He asked. Quietly, his tone dripped with emotions. " I don't want to make this awkward. It's just...just that I'm scared Ava. Scared of losing you to another "

Ava's breath was caught in her throat. She didn't see that coming, and without saying a word. She extended her hand in reach of Asher's, and held on to it. While brushing her fingers on it.

" You won't Asher " she said, softly brushing on Asher's hands still.  " I don't care about anything else, Asher. Just you by my side, as we walk through this road together"

It hit real deep, that Asher did not try to hold back his tears. He let them flow. It was finally the day he had prayed and waited so long for.

From that day on, Ava gave Asher her heart  and also  extended the gesture to Lily. She made Lily a sister she never had after finding out, Lily was just someone who is close  to Asher.

"We are going to graduate in a couple of days, Ava"

Asher said. His voice sank in emotion, while his eyes lost on Ava's face, like she was going to miss if he dared blink his eyes, as they sat In the empty classroom.

Ava clearly heard him, even though she seemed lost in her phone. Slowly, she dropped the phone beside her, after some seconds. Then turned her face to look directly into Asher's eyes, with a soft smile playing on her face.

"Yeah Asher, I'm so excited. I just can't wait to explore everything we've learnt in years"

She said, her tone dripping with excitement. But suddenly paused when she noticed Asher was unhappy.

"Hey.." She said and tapped on his hand, trying to get him in the same mood she was. But no, Asher's mind seemed to be a million miles away.

"What is it, Asher? Why does your face look that way?"

She asked, while her eyes kept moving around his face and wondering what it was, but before she could ask, Asher's voice came in.

"Marry me, Ava"

He forced it out and right there. Ava's breath hung in the air.

Asher had thought Ava was wondering about a proposal from someone who could barely buy stuff. He quickly went down on his knees, believing that would help.

"I understand okay? But trust me Ava. I will make sure I do everything I can, to provide for you and our kids, whenever they decide to join us"

But  no, He was wrong. It was definitely the best day in Ava's life as she had never imagined a day would come in her life where she would finally settle with the very man of her dreams.

Ava stood and offered her hands. As soon as Asher took them, she pulled him into a tight embrace

"Yes Asher " 

She answered, her words filled with sobs while still in each other's arms.

Time flew by and Asher was excited as he prepared himself to go back home. To let his father know he had finally found the one, the one person, who makes his dream complete.

" I will definitely miss you, Asher"  

Ava said from the bed where she laid. Already feeling the blues as she watched Asher put his things in a box.

"Of course you should miss me Ava. We are getting married soon, remember?" 

He responded, his tone dripping with sarcasm. 

Asher returned home but his father, Robert, gave him no attention. He was still angry over Asher's disrespect.

To think Asher wasn't bothered at all. Because, he believed the news he came back with, was going to elate his father's spirit eventually.

"Hey father. Good morning!"

He shouted from the last stand of the stairs, going towards his father, who was in the dinning waiting patiently for his breakfast to be served.

Robert still. Gave no ear  to Asher as he constantly flipped on the newspaper just to let Asher know he was a disturbance.

"I get it father, and I know sorry won't  change anything now " He said, his tone filled with remorse. " But your son Asher is finally back home, to let you know… that I got it right this time"

 Robert suddenly slowed his pace at the sound of that, then raised his eyebrow to look at Asher, for the first time since he joined him for dinner.

"Yes father," Asher continued. "I met someone and I've just proposed marriage to her"